Olive-Harvey College Hosts Free Taxi Driver Recruitment Day

Olive-Harvey College Hosts Free Taxi Driver Recruitment Day

1/22/2013 12:00 AM

Chicago needs taxi drivers. Citizens can learn more about the job opportunities available in the taxi industry at an event taking place on Thursday, February 7 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Full Description

Chicago needs an estimated 2,000 taxi drivers and, while the jobs opportunities are abundant, many Chicagoans are unaware of how quickly they can complete the required training. Chicagoans can learn about the the training and application process during the Taxi Driver Recruitment Day on Thursday, February 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Olive-Harvey College at 10001 S. Woodlawn Avenue.​

Hosted by City Colleges of Chicago in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of New Americans and Hailo Cab, the event will include representatives from Chicago’s leading taxi companies and Olive-Harvey faculty members. Two informational workshops – held at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. – will inform guests how to become a taxicab driver and enroll in Olive-Harvey’s comprehensive Public Passenger Chauffeur Training Program. The two-week Chauffeur Training program costs $275 to enroll and is designed to prepare individuals to become public chauffeurs in the City of Chicago. The training program covers Chicago geography and navigation, as well as customer business skills.

“Drivers are in demand and training is readily available at Olive-Harvey College,” said Adolfo Hernandez, Director of the Mayor’s Office of New Americans. “There are many communities that may not be aware of how to become a taxi driver and we want to bridge this gap and bring awareness to communities throughout Chicago by hosting this event.”

Dr. Craig T. Follins, President of Olive-Harvey College, says taxi driving is one of many in-demand careers within the transportation sector.

“Transportation, distribution and logistics is a growth industry in our region and offers a career pathway with numerous job opportunities, including taxi driving,” Follins said. “This recruitment event is part of our College to Careers strategy to partner with industries to ensure that we prepare individuals to become job-ready and it is one of many opportunities available in transportation at Olive-Harvey.”

Bill Bundy, a nine-year veteran in the taxi industry, will share his experiences at the event.

“If you treat this as a profession and put in the effort, you can make a lot of money,” Bundy said. “The flexibility of driving a cab allowed me to support a family of 12 while earning a bachelor’s degree in business. Now, I own a cab and have a solid client base that depends on me when they need a ride."

The event is open to the public. Free parking is available. For more information, call 773.291.6490 or go online to www.ccc.edu. ​